Empire Club of Canada

Ontario is going big and bold. As we face unprecedented economic challenges from US tariffs, we’re doubling down on a historic $200-plus billion plan to build new roads, transit, schools, hospitals, and long-term care homes. At the same time, Ontario is making it easier and faster to build residential, commercial and industrial buildings across municipalities. As leaders and partners in the constr...

As the Canada-U.S. relationship dominates discussions on both sides of the border, the arrival of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada has never been more anticipated.  The new U.S. Ambassador to Canada is integral to addressing the most important issues between the United States and the newly elected Canadian government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. As our countries’ leaders chart a path forward fo...

Canada is in the midst of a Global Trade War. This puts Ontario — as Canada’s economic engine — at the heart of the battle. At this unprecedented moment, the Empire Club of Canada will host  The Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance  for his annual speech in anticipation of Ontario’s 2025 Provincial Budget.    This event will discuss the Ontario government’s plan to protect...

This is an Empire Nights event, proudly presented by the Empire Club of Canada. The results are in: Mark Carney’s Liberals have emerged with a minority government following one of the greatest comeback stories in Canadian political history. Liberal party fortune’s skyrocketed in the first half of the campaign with pollster predictions of a majority of over 190 seats in this volatile race prompted...

Play Corruption costs the world economy around US$5 trillion each year, the equivalent of 5% of global GDP, according to Transparency International. This widespread issue hinders economic growth, deepens inequality, and siphons funds from essential public services like education and healthcare. While many view corruption as a government issue, businesses can’t afford to ignore the risks. Organizat...

The average life expectancy of a Canadian has grown over the past 200 years from below 40 to over 82 years. Canadians are living longer, but for many, it is not long enough. The pursuit of longevity is further evolving – becoming a passion feeding a booming industry promoting preventative and personalized health care strategies to increase not only our lifespans but our health spans as well. From...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is causing disruption in almost every sector — and the professional services sector is no exception. For those working in law, finance and accounting, AI’s influence is already here, impacting how you work and what clients expect. To stay competitive, firms must balance growth, efficiency, and service innovation with regulatory standards and ethical responsibilities. A...

Canada and the world are facing a momentous energy challenge. With energy demand soaring, aging infrastructure, population growth, and artificial intelligence rapidly advancing, the pressure on our energy systems has never been greater. On April 10, 2025, join us at the Empire Club of Canada  for an insightful conversation with  Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO of Ontario Power Generation (OPG) ...

This is an Empire Nights event, proudly presented by the Empire Club of Canada. The stakes could not be higher for Canadians as we choose our next government.  With President Trump imposing tariffs to economically coerce Canada into becoming the 51st state, threats to our water and borders, and the shifting of global alliances away from post-WWII norms, Canadians have awakened to a profound sense...

March 25, 2025 – Join the Empire Club of Canada in welcoming Deborah Flint, President and CEO of  Toronto Pearson , as she delivers a keynote address on how the airport is helping to shape our region’s future — by enhancing connectivity, driving innovation, and job creation – as well as fueling economic benefits across Ontario and Canada. Toronto Pearson Airport is investing in a multi-billion-dol...

From Menstruation to Menopause, A new look at Women’s health. Women’s health has been under-researched and under-prioritized because of long held historical misconceptions, stigma and underfunding. Dr. Jen Gunter, renowned author and gynecologist, summed it up by writing:  “Women were long viewed as lesser and more troublesome versions of men, and their reproductive tracts were primarily studied t...

Canada’s primary care system is in crisis – one that has been building across the country for many years. Lack of access to family doctors and other primary care professionals leaves many Canadians with limited options for consistent longitudinal care. At the same time, the rate of family physician growth has slowed from three percent to one percent, which has further exacerbated the crisis. Today...

The Empire Club of Canada is thrilled to welcome  Ehren Cory, CEO  of the  Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) , for an exclusive update on investment progress across the country. Ehren will be joined by  Sean Speer, Co-Founder and Editor-at-Large  of   The Hub , for a thought-provoking fireside chat. Key topics will include addressing Canada’s infrastructure needs and the CIB’s role in making strate...

Leaders in the Auto and Tech Mobility sector — How a diverse workforce can increase innovation Empire Nights: Ontario Election Viewing Party! The Empire Club of Canada is back with another of our highly anticipated  Empire Nights ! In celebration of Black History Month, the Empire Club of Canada is thrilled to present  Leaders in the Auto and Tech Mobility Sector — How a diverse workforce can incr...

With over 1.8 million Canadians working in the manufacturing sector, and over $600 billion in Canadian exports to the United States, President Trump’s potential tariffs will certainly impact a decades-long trade ecosystem. The impact of such tariffs will extend far beyond manufacturing, with senior economists warning that the ripple effects will, disrupt supply chains and the existing world order,...

Ontario’s economy is entering a period of rapid change, with key indicators showing mixed signals. While inflation is easing, unemployment rates have ticked up, and current changes in the political landscape are causing businesses across the province to grapple with uncertainty. The recent U.S. election, along with upcoming federal and potential provincial elections in 2025 could impact trade, cro...

The Empire Club of Canada is thrilled to announce Prem Watsa, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, as the recipient of the  2024 Nation Builder Award . This prestigious honour will be presented to Mr. Watsa at a special ceremony on January 28, 2025, at the iconic Fairmont Royal York in downtown Toronto.     Prem Watsa’s story is both inspiring and impressive – embodying resilie...

With the January 6th announcement that Prime Minister Trudeau will resign this spring and a new President being sworn in in Washington on January 20th — making new promises to upend the trading relationship between Canada and the United States — Canadians are bracing for a new world order. Canadians are also headed for the polls in 2025 federally, and rumours are swirling around a potential provin...

Presented in partnership with TMX Group A new world economy is rapidly emerging, and Canada needs to stake its claim. In the wake of the U.S. presidential inauguration, join us for a timely discussion of the economic and political factors set to reshape the economy in 2025, and their projected impact on Canadian businesses and investors. Tariffs on trade, fierce competition for investment, a globa...

Canada is a resource rich powerhouse that has all the energy and critical minerals necessary for a prosperous future. Has Canada given up on the grand bargain between climate and energy?  With mounting division over carbon pricing and a potential reset on energy policy, join the Empire Club of Canada for a national perspective on the energy “trilemma” of sustainability, affordability and reliabili...

Canadian corporations increasingly understand the importance of working together with Indigenous communities to form equity partnerships on procurement and infrastructure projects including transportation, oil and gas, nuclear, health, social, and mining. But for most of Canada’s history, these partnerships were traditionally unheard of, and Indigenous communities were purposefully excluded from a...

A collaboration between the  Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF)  and the  Empire Club of Canada  – In Conversation with  Giancarlo Esposito On November 29, the  Empire Club of Canada  is proud to partner with the  Italian Contemporary Film Festival (ICFF)  for an unforgettable evening with the legendary  Giancarlo Esposito ! Known for his iconic role as ‘Gus Fring’ in  Breaking Bad  and  Be...

The province has an ambitious plan to build Ontario: from new housing that families can call home, to highways and public transit connecting our communities, and clean energy projects powering our economy. But with one in three tradespeople nearing retirement, we must pass on the wisdom and expertise of the Golden Generation of Skilled Tradespeople to the next generation of workers and students. T...

The Empire Club of Canada  is proud to present our annual  Empire Nights  housing event entitled   Solving the Housing Crisis: Innovations in Building, Policy and Planning.  This year’s event will address Canada’s housing shortage, highlighting the innovators at the forefront transforming how we build the homes required for our growing population.    The event will feature a panel of leading exper...

In a digital world where a single click can put your privacy at risk, securing robust cybersecurity and establishing trust is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of Ontarians’ information. Don’t miss this important conversation on the future of cyber security, data protection and privacy in Ontario as we welcome  Honourable Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery an...